Economic & Government Affairs Forum Summary

April 13, 2021

Homelessness and mental illness are challenges local businesses see often. Leaders in Yolo County have come together to offer a voluntary Secured Residential Treatment Program for individuals experiencing substance use disorders. At the Chamber's April Economic & Government Affairs meeting, we discussed AB 1542 authored by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty and supported by our local delegation including Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, Senator Dodd, and Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig. 

This bill would, until January 25, 2025, authorize the County of Yolo to offer a pilot program known as the Secured Residential Treatment Program for individuals suffering from substance use disorders who have been convicted of qualifying drug-motivated felony crimes. The bill offers alternative resources to get individuals additional support and provides law enforcement alternatives for response. AB 1542 passed out of the Assembly Public Safety committee and will continue to move through the legislative process. The West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce supports AB 1542. 

In addition, we heard from the City of West Sacramento & Yolo County on their Coordinated Response Program for police & mental health calls. The West Sacramento Police Department now has Yolo County mental health clinicians responding to calls regarding homelessness and mental health challenges seven days a week between the high-volume hours of 11:00am-9:00pm. Their job is to get individuals connected with services and complete the necessary follow-up. 

West Sacramento businesses can be assured that the City of West Sacramento and Yolo County Health and Human Services have resources available to support your business. Should you have an issue, call West Sacramento Police Department dispatch to provide details of the incident and a description of the individual. Dispatch will triage your call and get a mental health clinical resource officer to your location.